134 



that this second fungus is only of secondary importance. Infec- 

 tion experiments, etc., would tend to show that it can attack 

 leaflets that have previously been weakened by attacks of Pesta- 

 lozzia but, until further experiments have been conducted, it is 

 impossible to say whether it is a direct parasite or not. 



33. The fungus must be referred to the Fungi Imperfecti, and on 

 account of the character of the picnidia and the spores it must 

 be referred to Macrophoma if the unicellular spores are considered 

 mature and final, or to Diplopia if the two-celled brown spores are 

 the final results of development. 



It is possible that this fungus may be similar to that lately 

 described by Emerson from Bowden, Jamaica, and is identical 

 with — Macrophoma form with Spaeropsis palmarum, Cooke, from 

 petioles and midribs of coco-nut from Demerara, and Diplodia 

 form with Diplodia cpicocos, Cooke, from dead young leaves of 

 coco-nut. 



34 This fungus has been found in Icacos, Cocorite, and the 

 Mayaro districts and seems to be closely associated with the leaf 

 disease and, therefore, until further experiments can be conducted 

 to inquire into its exact habit, the remedial measures suggested 

 for the leaf disease should be sufficient to keep it in check. 

 Whenever it should be noticed without the Pestalozsia of the leaf 

 disease, similar remedial measures should be employed and 

 shouuld undoubtedly prove beneficial in preventing its spread. 



It is hoped that before long further information can be given 

 about the habit of this fungus and then more definite recom- 

 mendations can be made 



Section 3.— BUD-ROT DISEASE. 



35. In having trees felled that were showing signs of the 

 root-disease in the Cedros district, a tree was sometimes met 

 which did not show the symptoms characteristic of the root 

 trouble. The roots appeared to be healthy, the stem showed no 

 signs of red discoloration, while the bud was involved in a vile 

 smelling sort of bacterial rot. It was reported that about 1 per 

 cent, of the diseased trees in this district showed signs of a bud 

 trouble, but that they were seldom met with except as isolated 

 cases. On visiting a small savannah planted in coco-nuts in 

 the Siparia district, it was noticed that the trees were in a diseased 

 condition. The youngest leaves appear to stand upright and 

 do not unfold as they should. Afterwards, they turn yellow and 

 then brown in colour and the whole appearance is that of a 

 withering tree with the centre of the cabbage in an unhealthy 

 condition. Sometimes this dying of the "central bud" could not 

 be noticed until many of the lower leaves had turned yellow or 

 brown, nor did there appear to be any regular succession of 

 deaths of the lower leaves, for often the lowest leaves were the 

 first to turn yellow, while at other times the " middle" leaves 

 showed the first signs of being unhealthy. 



After a time the terminal bud falls over, frequently leaving a 



